Darlington Community Recreation Advisory Group (DCRAG)

Delegates are reminded that the next quarterly DCRAG meeting will be held at the Darlington Pavilion on May 22nd 2023. Observers are welcome but discussions will be limited to DCRAG delegates.

Oval Widening and Realignment Proposal

The 2021 proposal, to widen and realign the Darlington Oval is currently being pursued by the Junior Cricket, Social Cricket and Football Sports Clubs.

The Darlington Sports and Recreation Association (DaSRA), are assisting with communication and host the proposal on their website which can be found through the link below / Oval Updates March 2023 https://www.darlingtonpavilion.com.au/our-projects

DCRAG Oval Subcomittee

The objectives of the subcommittee were:

• Review the Sports Groups’ proposal for widening and realigning the Darlington Oval.

• Obtain detailed information about the use of the oval by the sports groups and casual users.

• Encourage and seek a wide engagement of the Darlington community in discussion of the proposal.

• Receive and gather and review the feedback concerning the Sports Groups proposal to widen and realign the oval.

• Use a range of different engagement strategies to maximise responses from the broad community.

• Present updates at DCRAG meetings aiming for a full report two weeks prior to November (2022) meeting.

The Subcommittee formed early 2022 was paused for almost a year while the Shire considered the technical capability of the proposal. The subcommittee recommenced in February 2023, but unfortunately will disband earlier than anticipated, with all members having now resigned from this ambitious and prolonged task.

A Subcommittee report will be submitted to DCRAG for the May meeting outlining their achievements and challenges thus far. I extend our sincere thanks to all the members who stepped up to this task and contributed in good faith for the betterment of our community.

Shire of Mundaring (SOM) - Recreation Facilities Informing Stategy (RFIS)

As advised by Kirk Kitchin, Shire Manager for Recreation at the February meeting, there is a plan for a whole of Shire RFIS to occur later this year (subject to continued funding in the 2023/23 budget).

The objective of the 2024 RFIS is to deliver an updated strategy and action plan, assess costs and priorities on the range of practical and realistic requested capital projects, and strike a balance between the community’s needs, expectations and sustainability requirements. The Shire will utilize independent consultants to review all our sporting and recreation requirements and facilities.

Given the unresolved divisiveness regarding this oval widening and realignment proposal, and the disbanding of the subcommittee, it seems appropriate for the independent Shire consultants to assess the proposal in line with the whole of Shire RFIS later this year.

DCRAG Comment on the Proposal

As per DCRAG remit, delegates will assess the subcommittee’s report and provide advice to the Shire regarding on the proposal in due course after the May meeting.

Additionally DCRAG will pass on all the subcommittee information already received on this proposal to the Shire, to be incorporated in the RFIS analysis.

Future Community Feedback

Future feedback on the proposal may be submitted directly to the shire@mundaring.wa.gov.au Attention: Infrastructure Services.

You are welcome to copy in local South Ward councillors found here: https://www.mundaring.wa.gov.au/council/council-meetingsand-council-members/council-members-and-wards.aspx

Further Details on the Proposal

DaSRA will continue to liaise with the sports clubs and answer proposal specific questions.

Trish Cook | DCRAG Chair